Umpire expresses regret on missed call on strange play at first

Umpire Jeff Nelson said the odd double-play turn was a play he'd never seen in 25 years in baseball.

Carlos Osorio/AP

Umpire Jeff Nelson expressed regret for making an incorrect call Friday night, saying it was a play he'd never seen in 25 years.

Nelson spoke to a pool reporter before Saturday night's game between the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers where Nelson was set to work behind the plate.

The missed call came in the second inning of Texas' win Friday and stymied a possible rally by the Mariners. Seattle's Jesus Sucre hit a grounder to first baseman Mitch Moreland, who threw to second base to get the lead runner. The relay back from shortstop Elvis Andrus was in time and Nelson called Sucre out for a double play.

But Moreland never caught the ball. Texas pitcher Justin Grimm, running to cover first, caught the wide throw in front of a stretching Moreland.

Nelson said his focus was on Moreland's foot and he never saw Grimm grab the throw.

More MLB

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.